RSPCA removes dogs from rescue centre

The RSPCA removed 30 dogs from a rescue centre over concerns for their welfare following an investigation by its officers, police and council workers.

A joint investigation was carried out at Wiccaweys Rescued Border Collies and Working Sheepdogs, in Hardwick Road, between Niort Way in Wellingborough and Harwick village, during the morning Thursday, May 2.

Officers were on the scene for more than three-and-a-half hours before removing the animals on veterinary advice.

A police officer guarded the entrance to the farm at the rural location where Wiccaweys is based while investigations were carried out.

Two vets were also called to the location to inspect the animals. It was roughly 12.20pm when three white vans were seen leaving the farm.

The dogs, which are mostly collie breeds, have been placed in RSPCA care and some with fosterers while further investigations take place.

A spokesman for the RSPCA said: “The RSPCA has removed around 30 dogs from a location in Wellingborough because of concerns for their welfare.

“RSPCA officers visited the premises on Thursday, May 2, with two vets the police and Wellingborough Council.

“The dogs were mainly collie breeds and have been seized by the police on veterinary advice and placed in RSPCA care and some with fosterers while our investigation takes place.

“No further information is available at this time.”

Wiccaweys is a non-profit making organisation which describes itself as being “dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation and rehoming of border collies and working sheepdogs”.

The Telegraph contacted Wiccaweys, but the owners declined the opportunity to comment.

The website states: “All dogs that come into Wiccaweys as rescues or for rehoming become part of our family.

“We get to know them and make sure we know the type of home they need. Sometimes a dog will go into foster with one of our wonderful foster homes.”

The website also states that Wiccaweys has rescued, rehabilitated and re-homed hundreds of border collies, and that they receive 10,000 phone calls per year asking for help with collies.

It says that up to 30 to 40 dogs are usually within the care of the rescue centre at any one time.

The RSPCA investigation is expected to take several months to conclude. At that point, the RSPCA will decide what action, if any, should be taken against the owners.